P&ID
P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) is like a detailed map or blueprint that shows how equipment, pipes, and control instruments are connected in industrial facilities such as chemical plants or oil refineries. Think of it as similar to a very detailed road map, but instead of showing streets and buildings, it shows how liquids, gases, and materials flow through a facility. Engineers use these drawings to design, build, and maintain industrial plants safely and efficiently. When you see this term in a resume, it indicates that the candidate has experience with reading, creating, or working with these important industrial facility blueprints.
Examples in Resumes
Created and reviewed P&ID drawings for a $50M chemical plant expansion project
Supervised construction activities using P&ID and PID documentation as reference
Updated existing Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams to reflect plant modifications
Typical job title: "Process Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Process Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe a challenging P&ID project you managed and how you handled it?
Expected Answer: Look for answers that demonstrate leadership in complex facility designs, ability to coordinate with multiple departments, and experience in solving technical conflicts while maintaining safety standards.
Q: How do you ensure safety considerations are properly reflected in P&IDs?
Expected Answer: Candidate should discuss review processes, safety regulations, and how they incorporate emergency systems and safety controls into facility designs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What information do you look for when reviewing a P&ID?
Expected Answer: Should mention checking equipment connections, safety controls, material flow directions, and ensuring all components are properly labeled and meet industry standards.
Q: How do you handle updates or modifications to existing P&IDs?
Expected Answer: Look for understanding of change management procedures, documentation requirements, and importance of communicating changes to all relevant parties.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements shown in a P&ID?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that P&IDs show equipment like pumps and tanks, pipes, valves, and basic control instruments in a simple way.
Q: Why are P&IDs important in a chemical plant?
Expected Answer: Should explain that P&IDs help understand how a plant works, assist in operation and maintenance, and are crucial for safety and training.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic P&ID reading and understanding
- Knowledge of common symbols and notations
- Understanding of basic process equipment
- Familiarity with industry standards
Mid (2-5 years)
- P&ID creation and modification
- Equipment sizing and selection
- Safety system integration
- Project coordination experience
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex system design oversight
- Project management and team leadership
- Risk assessment and safety analysis
- Regulatory compliance expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to read basic P&ID drawings
- No knowledge of industry safety standards
- Lack of experience with common design software
- No understanding of process safety management
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Navigating Compliance: Structuring On-the-Job Training in Regulated Industries
Unlocking Team Potential: Personality Mapping for Dynamic Management
Digital Apprenticeships: Crafting the Future Workforce Pipeline
